When you see a rainbow, what does it mean to you? 

Do you think it means the same to someone else? 

What do you think it means to someone who is LGBTQIA+? 

How about what it means to people seeking refuge from regimes that criminalise people for their sexuality?

For this LGBT+ History Month, we decided to focus on the meaning behind the rainbow and the feelings it evokes for people fleeing persecution. The beginning of February is also Race Equality Week, so what better time to amplify the voices of those most marginalised in British society.

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind are proud to present the voices of Rainbow Home members. Our partner, Rainbow Home, specialises in helping people seeking asylum in the UK on the grounds of their sexuality – because their home countries are too dangerous to live an authentic, free, and full life as an LGBT+ person. We asked our Rainbow Home wellbeing group to reflect on what it means to be LGBTQIA+ and celebrate the positives.

LGBTQIA+ Poem by Natalie

Liberty of life.

Gut feelings of self.

Biological vs Chemical = physiology (somewhat philosophy) of I, we, us, they, and them.

Trusting nature; trusting nature.

Queens, Kings, and what is between (us normal folk).

Identity of who we wish to be and how we want to feel.

Acceptance, accepted by others.

+ means ALL OF US (our society) – no judgement!

Thoughts from X (A Rainbow Home member)

In Iran, we didn’t have an LGBT organization to support us. And we didn’t have an Android phone in our time, to know about LGBT activities or organizations. When I came to Europe, I met the LGBT organization through the internet. I am very happy that the organization supports us and I don’t feel alone and isolated. In my opinion, the only organization that understands us and knows our problems is the LGBT organization.

Word Cloud from Anonymous Submissions

Next time you see a rainbow – think about what it might mean to others. If you can wear a rainbow at work or in public, please consider doing so. It helps LGBTQIA+ people feel accepted, stronger, free, hopeful, and safe. Such a small, kind act can have such a massive, positive impact. 🌈

See below Word Cloud art by Anonymous

As an organisation TN Mind are committed to raising awareness of the multitude of unique and diverse lives of people in the UK. We want to reduce the barriers for individuals and communities to access mental health and wellbeing services, especially for those with minoritised identities, while (hopefully) contributing to the discussion on social justice in our society. Therefore, it is important to share pieces such as this, to educate and familiarise everyone with the various aspects of other people’s lives and to celebrate these differences in positive, productive ways. The authors of this piece identify as LGBTQIA+. We want to provide more opportunities for people to share their stories, write pieces that are important to them, and raise awareness of issues that may not get much attention.

If you want to take part – by writing an article, making a suggestion, posting a comment in the next newsletter, or contributing in another way – please email dei@tynesidemind.org.uk.